Bartlett, New Hampshire

Diana's Baths in Bartlett, New Hampshire within the White Mountain National Forest is a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that features great swimming pools.

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About This Location

Diana's Baths, located in the charming town of Bartlett, New Hampshire, within the pristine confines of the White Mountain National Forest, is a true gem of natural beauty. This enchanting waterfall complex stands as a testament to the breathtaking allure of New Hampshire's wilderness. Diana's Baths boasts a total drop of approximately 80 feet, with its cascading waters forming a captivating series of plunges, cascades, and slides. The falls are a composition of 8 to 10 distinct drops, each with its own unique character, with the tallest of them being a 12-foot plunge.

The source of Diana's Baths' watery spectacle is the idyllic Lucy Brook. This brook comes alive with its most exuberant flow during the spring and early summer months, when the melting snow fuels its journey. Although spring and summer is the season when the falls are often at their most spectacular, Diana's Baths is a year-round destination, offering a different kind of charm with each passing season.

This natural wonder holds a special allure during the summer months, attracting visitors from far and wide due to its many inviting swimming pools and exhilarating natural water slides. Dubbed by many as "nature's waterpark," Diana's Baths is undoubtedly one of the finest swimming holes in all of New Hampshire. Beyond its aquatic attractions, the falls offer a plethora of recreational opportunities. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic, capturing the beauty through photography, or simply relaxing in a hammock amidst the serene natural surroundings.

The path to Diana's Baths leads you through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, and a hike of approximately 0.6 miles is required to reach the falls. The Diana's Baths Trail is well-maintained and designed to be family-friendly, allowing nature enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy this spectacular destination. However, visitors should exercise caution, especially when approaching the falls, as the rocks can become quite slippery.

Parking for Diana's Baths is convenient, with a spacious dirt parking lot located off West Side Road that provides approximately 50 parking spaces. A nominal parking fee can be paid at a self-service kiosk, which helps support the maintenance and preservation of this natural treasure. The parking area also offers restroom facilities and trash disposal, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their experience while adhering to the principles of Leave No Trace.

Beyond its natural beauty, Diana's Baths carries a rich history. In 1863, the falls and five acres of surrounding land were acquired by George Lucy. Recognizing the potential of the cascading waterfall, the Lucy family built a house and a barn along the brook. To cater to the growing number of tourists drawn to this scenic spot, they later constructed a 12-room boarding house in 1890. However, this venture faced challenges and was not as successful as hoped, as established hotels nearby attracted most overnight visitors. Subsequent advancements in technology also led to the abandonment of the mill on the site, which had initially thrived due to the brook's strong cascades. In the 1950s, the property changed hands, eventually becoming national forest land. In the 1960s, the abandoned buildings were removed from the site.

In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service conducted an environmental assessment of the area to gauge the impact of human activity on the preserved land. The assessment identified issues like waste and human excrement in the vicinity of Lucy Brook. In response, forest rangers took measures to mitigate these problems by adding toilets and trash receptacles. These efforts have successfully minimized adverse effects on the environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the pristine beauty of Diana's Baths.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
Bartlett, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.071028, -71.171000
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There is a large dirt parking lot off West Side Road for visitors to Diana’s Baths. In total, there are about 50 parking spaces. Parking is free.

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